Iconic, Voice of the Dark Knight, Kevin Conroy passes after battle with Cancer

By: Kirk Jackson

Conroy, considered by many fans to be the definitive voice of Batman, portraying the Dark Knight in the memorable ’90s animated series, various cameo appearances and the Arkham video games.

The iconic actor died at 66, after a short battle with cancer, his representatives confirmed.

After starting his career on stage (playing in Hamlet in 1984) and showing up in TV shows like Dynasty, Another World and Cheers, Conroy was cast in a career-defining role as Batman, with the animated series starting its run in 1992. 

“Kevin’s warm heart, delightfully deep laugh and pure love of life will be with me forever,” Andrea Romano, the director who cast Conroy in the role, said in a statement.  

Conroy was the voice of Batman on the highly acclaimed animated series that ran from 1992-1996, often acting opposite Mark Hamill’s Joker.

Conroy continued on as the almost exclusive animated voice of Batman, including some 15 films, 400 episodes of television and two dozen video games, including the “Batman: Arkham” and “Injustice” franchises.

In the more than eight-decade history of Batman, no one portrayed the Dark Knight more.

“For several generations, he has been the definitive Batman,” Hamill in a statement. “It was one of those perfect scenarios where they got the exact right guy for the right part, and the world was better for it.”

Indeed, Conroy left a powerful impression with his depiction of the caped crusader; bringing delight to audiences, privileged to witness what was then regarded as a new development in animated television.

Batman: The Animated Series was praised for its darker tone, adult-themed storylines and dialogue, with Conroy serving as a main catalyst with his depiction of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

Like Michael Keaton before him, with his depiction of such in Tim Burton’s live action version of Batman, in those respective films, Conroy also implored the tactic of utilizing different voices and performances for the characters of Bruce Wayne and his alter ego Batman.

As mentioned in previous interviews, Conroy based his dual-voice performance on the 1934 British adventure film, The Scarlet Pimpernel.

Conroy is survived by his husband, Vaughn C. Williams, sister Trisha Conroy and brother Tom Conroy.

The Scope Network sends our condolences to the family and friends of Kevin Conroy. His impact on several generations is profound and his legacy will forever stand side by side with the legendary character that is Batman.

Extremely grateful for his contributions, may he rest in peace.